In the twilight of his career, Stephon Gilmore, a seasoned defensive back, has adopted the role of a hired professional—a reliable veteran corner available to fortify any team. Currently affiliated with the Dallas Cowboys at the age of 33, Gilmore has traversed four teams in as many years: the Colts, Panthers, Patriots, and now the Cowboys. His recent seasons with the Colts involved injury struggles, but he managed to play 19 games combined in 2020 and 2021.
Before joining Dallas, the Colts, amid their rebuilding phase, traded Gilmore for a fifth-round pick after granting him a $20 million contract. However, this contract concludes after the current season, presenting an opportunity for the San Francisco 49ers to bolster their secondary depth. Bleacher Report suggests that the 49ers could benefit from Gilmore’s expertise, envisioning him as a strong No. 2 corner behind Charvarius Ward.
With 31 career interceptions, Gilmore’s seasoned skills could seamlessly integrate into the 49ers’ ball-hawking defense. Considering his 12-year veteran status, there is speculation that he might be open to a more affordable deal, particularly to join a Super Bowl contender.
The rumors surrounding the 49ers’ interest in Stephon Gilmore align with their ongoing pursuit of defensive backs, evident in their attempts to enhance the secondary during the trade deadline. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the 49ers’ inquiries into players like Jaylon Johnson and Patrick Surtain II, indicating their commitment to finding long-term solutions.
While the Broncos retained Surtain and the Bears withdrew Johnson from the market, the 49ers’ interest in defensive backs persists. Pro Football Focus rankings highlight the secondary as an area needing improvement for the 49ers, with cornerback Jimmie Ward performing well, but others, like Deommodore Lenoir, facing challenges.
Bleacher Report anticipates that the cornerback pursuit rumors will extend into the offseason, identifying Gilmore as a potential ready-made solution. Despite the 49ers’ strong rankings in various units, addressing the secondary’s weaknesses remains a priority, and Gilmore could offer a valuable remedy, especially considering the team’s anticipated cap constraints during free agency.